La Jolla Long Weekend

La Jolla may officially be within San Diego’s city limits, but it is a place all its own, far removed in spirit from the nearby urban atmosphere. La Jolla is famous for its miles of beautiful coastline, alternating between sandy beaches with odd names and rugged stretches where the waves break on jagged rocks. This makes the area apt for a variety of outdoor activities: experienced surfers ride waves at Windansea Beach, divers flock to La Jolla Cove for excellent water visibility, and Children’s Pool Beach is a great place to watch seals and sea lions do their thing.

Free spirits also can find a home here, at the (unofficially) clothing-optional Black’s Beach. Of course, there’s also the world-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course, one of the nation's most beautiful municipal courses just up the road from Black’s Beach. Some speculate the name “La Jolla” comes from the Spanish word for “jewel,” a fitting moniker for this upscale paradise.

The Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa is a deluxe California Rancho-style spa resort situated in La Jolla, approximately 14 miles from San Diego International Lindbergh Field Airport. Nearby are beaches, golf courses, the San Diego Zoo, and SeaWorld®.Hotel amenities include state-of-the-art business center, car rental, valet parking, 24-hour room service, babysitting, concierge, laundry/dry cleaning, multilingual staff, and safe deposit box. On-site drinks and dining are available at the Adobe el Restaurante, Bodega Wine Bar & Library, and Mustangs & Burros, a casual eatery with a sports bar feel. The Spa at Estancia offers a boutique, heated pool, Jacuzzi, fitness center, daily activities, jogging trails, and a full spa menu.Guest rooms feature cable TVs, in-room movies, dual-line speakerphones, voicemail, high-speed Internet access, video check-out, daily newspaper delivery, mini-bars, luxury bathroom amenities, irons, ironing boards, hairdryers, magnifying make-up mirrors, bathrobes, and coffeemakers with private blend coffee.Hospitality Services Fee of 12 per day includes high-speed Internet, local calls, fitness center, in-room coffee, daily newspaper, and use of the business center.

Named for newspaper heiress and early La Jolla resident Ellen Browning Scripps, this community park offers one of the best views along the Southern California coastline. The park overlooks La Jolla Cove where clear Pacific waters crash against the rocky shoreline. Countless tourists and locals flock to this park for daytime picnics on the perfectly manicured lawns surrounded by palm trees. The grounds are also ideal for evening strolls while watching glorious sunsets. For those seeking a glimpse of the local seal population Children's Pool Beach is located at the south end of the park.

Tourists driving along Interstate-5 will not miss this stunning structure, bearing the image of an ice sculpture. The white, palace-style building features an awesome architectural design with numerous spires. The temple, which hosts religious activities for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is 190-feet tall and covers 59,000 square feet. While visitors are not allowed inside the temple, guests are welcome to tour the perfectly manicured grounds and admire the building's architectural design during regular temple hours.

This university is located on the cliffs above the ocean near La Jolla. Often called by its abbreviation, UCSD, the school is particularly renowned for its science programs, which often work hand-in-hand with local high-tech firms, many of which began as UCSD project groups. Its theater, film, and political science programs are also among the best in the nation. The university sports an architecturally startling library, which has been likened to a giant beehive. The UCSD medical school staffs and operates a prestigious off-campus research hospital, which also provides indigent and uninsured care to thousands of local residents.

You may not see this restaurant's name plastered on many La Jolla tour guides, but this cozy spot is a favorite among long-time La Jolla residents. In fact, the restaurant is one of those well-kept secrets that locals have known about for years, but tour guides have yet to discover. This adorable restaurant hosts outdoor patio dining, as well as indoor seating by the fireplace. Try the Filet Mignon, served with Prosciutto potatoes and leek fondue. Northern Halibut is another customer favorite, complete with potato croquettes and herb salad. Wine is available by the glass or bottle.

This all-women surfing school is dedicated to helping females of all ages succeed in this popular water sport. Many classes are offered, ranging from two hours to five-day camps. The two-day clinic is the most popular course, taught on Saturday and Sunday mornings at the La Jolla Shores Beach. Beginning and intermediate surfers may attend this class, which includes ocean awareness, paddling and wave riding. Young surfers have their own class, as youth day camps are held for ages 10-18. Bring a swimsuit, towel, water and sunscreen for your class at the beach.

Wanna soar over the sea? Since 1928, adventurers have been soaring from the cliffs at this location. Paragliding lessons (three to four days) cost around USD495 and hangliding lessons cost USD125 per hour. The fastest way to experience flight is to go tandem with an instructor for a 20-minute ground school followed by a 25-minute in-air flight, which costs USD150 per person. Reservations are required for lessons, none accepted for tandem flights, just call for weather conditions before coming. For the less bold, sit and watch the activity from the outdoor cafe or browse through the High Flying Gift Shop. The Gliderport has been selected as number six in the top ten ultimate adventure camps in America by the Outdoor Life Network.

This seaside restaurant is a favorite among longtime La Jolla residents, who praise the oyster bar, patio dining and top-notch cuisine. A wooden stairway and French doors set the tone for this charming, friendly restaurant. Set on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this spot offers breathtaking ocean views, best seen from the flower-filled patio. For your entree, consider Crab Stuffed Fish, Crab Legs or Live Maine Lobster. For pasta lovers, try the Clam Linguini, topped with roasted garlic and black bean sauce.

Contemporary offerings of paintings, sculpture and objets d' art await you at this fine museum site. Roam at will with a state-of-the-art, self-guided tour through the gallery. The taped recordings include the artists themselves speaking to you. Join a guided tour every weekend. Art talks are regularly scheduled, too. A cafe is open, as well as a gift shop where you can purchase art books, videos, cards and posters. Admission: USD6 adults; USD2 seniors; students and children under 12 are free. The first Tuesday and Sunday of each month is free to everyone.

This establishment features contemporary French impressionist and post-impressionist works of art. Step into the small gallery and feel as if you have entered another world. As classical music plays overhead, view paintings from Blanchard, Cortes, Labrofont, La Loue, Loir and Marcel Dyf. In addition to French art, the gallery also represents a small group of American and European contemporary artists, including Park, Dy'ans, Briks, Roos and others. The pieces are framed and displayed in groups, separated by the artist. All works of art may be purchased. See website for more.

Between 1913 and 1914, Ellen Browning Scripps provided the financial backing for architect Irving Gill to design this clubhouse. The clubhouse has been home to the La Jolla Woman's Club for decades. The society began as a reading circle in the 1890s, then expanded their services and moved into this facility in the 20th century. The clubhouse is a popular spot for weddings, parties, banquets and business meetings. An auditorium, complete with stage, hosts up to 300 people. See website for complete visitor details.